It is common knowledge that high cholesterol levels in the blood can cause a number of health problems, some of a very serious nature. It is in your own interest to reduce the level of blood cholesterol.

Cholesterol is not a single substance. It is the generic name for a family of similar substances that are produced in the body. The good cholesterol, abbreviated as HDL, is produced by the body for tissue growth and health. This level is maintained at a healthy level by the body. The bad cholesterol is a by product of body metabolism and must be evacuated or destroyed. This bad cholesterol is abbreviated LDL. You must help the body in maintaining the exact proper level of both these cholesterol components to remain naturally healthy.

There is a general perception that a high level of cholesterol is itself a disease. This is false. But yes, high levels of bad cholesterol increase the risk of some very serious, even life threatening, cardio-vascular diseases. Some of these diseases are: atherosclerosis (which hardens the arteries), heart arrhythmias, strokes, high blood pressure, and heart attacks. We’ll tell you how to control the level of cholesterol in your blood.

The first step is dietary vigilance. Reduce those foods that contain a dangerously high amount of cholesterol. Fatty foods and animal products are notorious for their cholesterol content. Such foods are oils, dairy produce, poultry produce, and meats. Reduce your intake of sodium and foods containing a lot of sodium because it is known to be responsible for aggravating the cholesterol level in the blood.

A sedentary lifestyle is equally bad news. Inactivity makes the circulatory system sluggish, and the evacuation of LDL is impaired. So the LDL accumulates to dangerous levels. The American Heart Association has advised a minimum of thirty minutes of exercise every day to keep heart disease at bay. You are free to do it in one spell or to spread it over two, three or more spells. Be regular in exercising. Thirty minutes every day means thirty minutes every day, come rain or shine! Maintain a comfortable exercise regimen. Don’t get carried away and strain yourself. Jogging, going for long walks, cycling, and swimming are favored exercises. Make exercise a part of your schedule. Be moderate, be comfortable, be sensible!

A secondary cause of high cholesterol is smoking. Smoking raises the level of cholesterol in the blood. Even second hand smoke is harmful in this respect. So, if you do have a high cholesterol level, reduce or stop smoking, and avoid those places where there is a lot of second hand smoke.

There is another factor which can cause high levels of bad cholesterol. The problem is that the body’s regulatory mechanism is not working properly. This is usually a genetic problem and it could be hereditary. The only way out of this situation is medication. Your doctor will do the needful.

The level of cholesterol in your blood can seriously affect your life and lifestyle! Before that happens, it is better that you consciously work your way to a better lifestyle. Watch your diet, exercise regularly, and stop smoking; these are simple ways to get on top of your high cholesterol condition. Medication is always there if the simple methods don’t work. Remember, high cholesterol can lead to life altering and even life threatening cardio-vascular conditions, such as strokes and heart attacks. Your general health goes down, and you can suffer from many other unrelated diseases. Therefore it is in your own best interest to get serious about controlling the level of cholesterol in your blood – for good!

Owning a cholesterol monitor can save you money by reducing trips to the physician for a cholesterol test. To learn more techniques to reduce cholesterol visit www.reduce-high-cholesterol.com.

Tags: heart disease in woman, prevent heart disease, heart disease symptom

A huge amount of research show that, not only are fish oil benefits numerous, many of them are actually very extraordinary! It seems like new studies are being published all the time, as scientists and doctors learn even more about how and why it is so beneficial. The omega-3 fatty acids that are in fish oil are “good fats” that are necessary for optimal wellness. They are crucial for human health but our bodies can’t make them – you have to get them through diet. Here are some proven fish oil benefits that should persuade you to consume more oily, wild-caught fish and begin taking a highly refined fish oil supplement if you aren’t already!

Promotes Cardiovascular Wellness & Protects Against Heart Attack and Strokes

Fish oil continues to grow in scientific reputation as a significant promoter of heart health. According to the American Heart Association, fish oil is effective in reducing the occurrence of heart disease and helps to reduce risk factors like high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Clinical trials of heart attack survivors have found that daily fish oil supplements drastically minimize the risk of death, additional heart attacks and stroke. Omega-3s also reduce blood triglycerides, help correct abnormal heartbeats, and can help prevent and treat atherosclerosis by preventing the formation of plaque and blood clots, which typically clog arteries.

Minimizes Inflammation/Pain

Omega-3s have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. Lab trials suggest that diets rich in omega-3s (and low in the pro-inflammatory omega-6s) may help people with inflammatory conditions — anything ending with -itis!. Omega-3s have also been used to successfully treat back, neck and menstrual pain, helping study participants to reduce their consumption of NSAID medication.

Contributes to Healthy Joints and Reduces Arthritis

The omega-3s in fish oil reduce tenderness in joints, pain intensity and morning stiffness produced by rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, quite a few test tube studies have shown that omega-3s actually lessen the activity of enzymes that destroy cartilage. At least 13 published research trials have shown that omega-3 fatty acids are very effective at treating rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oil has helped those with RA to reduce their dependence on pain killers.

Increases Mental Focus & Long-Term Cognitive Functioning

Did you know that omega-3s, particularly DHA, are incredibly prevalent in the brain? They’re important for optimal cognitive (mental memorization and performance) and behavioral functioning, as well as proper growth and development. Studies show that omega-3s may help in maintaining proper cognitive functioning and possibly in preventing or delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. We also now know that it’s very important that pregnant women get enough DHA, because it’s required by the developing fetus — during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, the fetus’ brain grows at a rate of 250,000 new neurons each minute! Children are also aided by omega-3 intake, as myriad studies show that omega-3s increase learning, focus, reading and vocabulary skills. Countless studies have also shown benefits in treating ADD.

Contributes to Positive Mood & Emotional Well-being

In countries where fish is a significant part of the diet, nationwide rates of depression are lower. So, it’s not surprising that studies have discovered that fish oil supplements can reduce the symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder and psychosis. Several clinical trials have found that participants that took fish oil with their prescribed anti-depressants had a greater improvement in symptoms than those who only took antidepressants, with patients experiencing a stabilization effect and less mood swings. Research has also demonstrated that, when prisoners were given omega three fatty acids, there was a drastic reduction in violent behavior. Omega-3s also appear to lower the risk of postpartum depression.

Promotes Eye Health

Evidence shows that people with a greater fish oil intake appear to have a lower risk of Dry-Eye Syndrome and developing macular degeneration. Preliminary studies also show that omega-3 supplementation aids in lessening dry eye symptoms, may help to slow macular degeneration for people already experiencing it and improves ocular health in general.

Pregnancy, Infancy Brain/Eye Development & Less Incidence of Childhood Disorders

DHA makes up 15-20% of the cerebral cortex and about 30-60% of the retina, so it’s absolutely necessary for normal development of the fetus and baby. Prenatal DHA availability also seems to decrease the chances of childhood allergies and have an effect on motor skill quality, cognitive development and hyperactivity/behavior later in the life of the child. Omega-3s also help to lower the chances of low birth weight and premature birth.

Promotes Increased Fat Metabolism and Weight Loss

According to the National Institute of Health, omega-3s trigger “I’m full” signals to the brain and aid in inhibiting hunger signals. Research has also shown that fish oil improves the efficacy of exercise in reducing body fat. Study participants who were alloted fish oil as part of their diet showed greater weight loss as contrasted with those who didn’t consume fish oil. Exercise along with fish oil had a positive effect on the body shape and body composition of the participants.

Reduces Chance of Breast, Prostate & Colorectal Cancer

Though additional research in this area is desperately needed, we now know that the omega 3’s found in fish oil aid in the prevention and treatment of prostate, testicular, breast and ovarian cancers. Early trials imply that taking fish oil everyday can help inhibit the progression of colon cancer in those with early stages of the disease and may possibly have the capacity to induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancerous cells.

Much more can be written with regards to the many fish oil benefits. And, as the science community and doctors continue to examine omega-3s, you can be certain that fish oil will keep making news as the best source of these essential fatty acids that are so vital to our bodies. Even if you’re already in great physical condition, a quality fish oil supplement is the fastest, safest way to achieve and maintain optimal health!

Brittany M. Wallace is a health and nutrition expert who has been studying the benefits of omega-3 for nearly 10 years. You can learn all about the benefits of omega 3 fish oil by visiting her site.

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Tags: prevent heart disease, cause of heart disease, heart disease

An essential step in preventing and managing cardiovascular disease is being open with your doctor about your questions and concerns. You are not the only individual who has difficulties communicating their issues to the health care provider who conducts your check-ups. But in terms of heart health and wellness no question should be left unanswered.

Sometimes people hope that the answers to their questions will come out while being examined rather than asking them straight out. HMOs and the busy schedules of medical professionals with waiting rooms loaded with patients sometimes do not permit the physician to spend as much time with each patient as they would like. In particular, women have to voice their issues, since heart wellness in women isn’t as much of an issue, even though they’re equally at risk.

Questions that you need to ask your doctor include things like what your blood pressure reading is and what is usual for you. Glucose and cholesterol levels must be checked to see if they are in an appropriate range. Find out from your health care provider what tests are suggested for your age group right now and in the future.

If drugs have been prescribed, do not hesitate to ask if there are possible side effects, what the drug is supposed to do, and whether you can take other medication, even non-prescription, with your prescribed medication. Also discover if this is a long term medication or temporary. If suggested by your health care provider, you’ll need to take further tests to monitor the effects of your medication. The liver is one organ that most medical professionals consider testing when a patient is on specific medications.

If you always seem to get home from your check-up and remember something that you failed to ask the physician, make a “need to know” list and take it with you on your next trip. Do not forget to bring with you the medicines that you are presently on as well. This is critical if you are under the care of more than one health care practitioner. Include your recent history of illness and surgery. This should be recorded in your file so your health care provider is up to speed on any potential problems.

In conclusion, if you believe that you may forget what you physician has told you, you can always write it down or record the appointment for later referral. Do not hesitate to get a second opinion if you are not comfortable with the advice and treatment plan of your doctor.

Preventing heart disease involves making long-term changes that will improve your heart health and decrease your risk of heart attack and stroke. Learn how to get started on the path to Heart Wellness.

Tags: heart disease risk factor, kidney and heart disease, heart valve disease

You may be well aware of the health benefits of what are known as Omega 3 essential fatty acids. It’s been in the news lately and more and more people are understanding the importance of maintaining an adequate intake of the important essential fatty acids known as Omega 3, and most of us are deficient in these. But you may not have heard of Omega 6 fats and may not be aware of the importance of these to your health, and you may not have heard of the Omega 3 Omega 6 ratio.

Essential fatty acids are good fats that we need for good health every day but which we cannot manufacture in our body and so need to obtain from our diet each day. Omega 3 fats are found primarily in fish, and over 90 percent of the US population is deficient in Omega 3 essential fatty acids.

Omega 6 essential fatty acids, on the other hand, are found in other food sources, and we are not generally deficient in these. For example you find Omega6 fats in many of the oils that we eat from day to day such as corn oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil and peanut oil, and soy oil is almost completely comprised of omega6 fats.

Generally these vegetable oils are extremely cheap. Because they are cheap they are used in almost all processed foods requiring oil, including margarine. Most of us eat a diet high in processed foods and cook with vegetable oils and as a result our diets are too high in Omega 6.

In the past, according to research, we ate roughly as much Omega 3 as Omega 6 fats. This produced an Omega 3 Omega 6 ratio around 1 to 1. But because of our dietary reliance on food sources such as vegetable oils and processed foods there are estimates suggesting that our Omega 6 Omega 3 ratio has changed to around 10 to 1, and some estimates are that it is now as high as 30 to 1. Most of us are eating way too much Omega 6 fatty acids.

It is true that Omega 6 fats are important to our health however it is also true that the Omega3 Omega 6 ratio, or the ratio between how much of each of the 2 types of fats that we eat, is also very important, and that by eating too much Omega 6, whilst at the same time eating too little Omega 3, we are running the risk of a range of health problems including the possibility of a range of cancers as well as coronary artery disease and inflammatory diseases like arthritis.

And there is also an issue with our meat. Traditionally our farm animals have been raised on grass and this produces meat higher in Omega3. However farming practices have changed over the last hundred years and most of our meat now comes from grain fed animals which produces meat lower in Omega 3 and higher in Omega 6.

For all these reasons we need to reduce our reliance on foods high in Omega 6. We can do this by changing our diet to a lower intake of processed foods and by changing our cooking oils from vegetable oils to healthy oils such as olive oil. And equally important is to increase our intake of Omega 3 and the single best way to do this is to take daily fish oil supplements.

However, although all of us should be taking daily fish oil supplements, you need to be aware that there are wide variations in the amount of the Omega 3 fatty acids found in the different brands of fish oil supplements, and you need to know how to make an informed choice when choosing your fish oil supplements.

Find out how to make this comparison between the different fish oil supplement brands on my website.

Want to know more about the best Fish Oil Supplements? Or more about the Omega 3 Omega 6 Ratio? Visit Peter’s Website Healthy Omega 3 Fish Oil.

Tags: coronary heart disease, information on heart disease, rheumatic heart disease

Fish oil tablets contain DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) which are the 2 most important essential fatty acids known as omega 3 fatty acids. Over the last 40 years many studies have demonstrated the health benefits of increasing our intake of essential fatty acids and these health benefits include benefits to our heart health and have also demonstrated a link between increasing the intake of fish oil and breast cancer prevention and increasing our intake of fish oil and prostate cancer prevention. Studies are also showing that by increasing our intake of Omega3 fats we can help prevent bowel cancer.

A Scottish study examines the benefits of increasing the intake of omega 3 fatty acids. The results of the study found that by increasing your intake of DHA and EPA you can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by anything up to around 40 percent. And the study also noted that this result will not be achieved if you increase your intake of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), a plant-based omega 3 fatty acid.

Clear evidence was that those who ate more fish had a lower risk of colon cancer and that those who ate less fish had a higher risk of colon cancer.

Another study in the Netherlands combined the results of– studies on omega 3 and bowel cancer and found that the overall results showed that there was a lower risk of bowel cancer for those with the highest intake of fish and that it was possible to estimate the risk reduction according to the number of fish meals eaten, including that one meal of fish per week produced an estimated 4 percent reduction in the risk of colon cancer, meaning that 2 fish meals per week produced an estimated reduction in the risk of bowel cancer of around 8 percent.

We eat too little fish in the US, and in particular we eat too little fish to achieve these results in helping to prevent colon cancer.

Of course it’s not true to say that eating more fish will prevent colorectal cancer, but it is probably fair to state that increasing your intake of omega 3 essential fatty acids found in fish oil can be an important part of an overall diet to prevent cancer, and can attract a range of other health benefits, including reducing the risk of death from heart related problems, substantially.

The next question is how to achieve these benefits. In the US we don’t generally eat a lot of fish. Fish is extremely expensive and it is only certain types of fish that have high levels of DHA and EPA. Combine that with the fact that most of the fish we eat is contaminated to a degree with mercury and other nasty toxins, and that the FDA advise discretion when eating fish for this reason, and it is fair to say that increasing our intake of fish substantially and weekly will be too expensive and can have other problems.

However there are excellent fishoil tablets available which overcome these problems. Fish oil tablets are small capsules containing omega 3 fatty acids and the best fish oil tablets are completely contamination free and are much more cost-effective to be taken daily than increasing your intake of fish.

But the quality of fish oil tablets varies widely and in particular the amount of the active ingredients DHA and EPA can vary by a factor of 2 or 3 and for this reason it is very difficult to directly compare the prices of the different brands available.

So it would seem that the evidence is getting stronger of the health benefits of increasing your intake of Omega3 fats, including in helping to prevent bowel cancer. Clearly all of us should be eating more fish or, more conveniently and more cheaply, taking daily omega 3 supplements by way of fish oil tablets.

For this reason sales of fish oil tablets are increasing faster than any other supplement in history, and I have taken daily fish oil tablets for a long time. To find out which Omega 3 supplements are my choice visit my website.

Want to know more about the health benefits of Fish Oil? Or how to find the best Fish Oil Tablets? Visit Peter’s Website Healthy Omega 3 Fish Oil.

Tags: heart disease risk factor, prevent heart disease, cure for heart disease